In fast-growing Fort Bend diversity is the key to success

County is diverse both culturally and economically

Fort Bend claimed another accolade on Friday for attracting more investment than any other county in Texas and ranking 5th nationally for new capital, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data compiled by SmartAsset, a consulting firm.

Fort Bend edged out Harris County, which came in second in Texas, and third place Comal County. The firm looked at business growth, GDP growth, building permits and municipal bonds.

Much of the economic boom in Texas over the last decade has been tied to oil and natural gas. But what impressed me was the diversity of the companies that have located in Fort Bend, suggesting that the economy there is not dependent on commodity prices.

Sure, there are oil field services firms Schlumberger and Eco Labs\Nalco Champion, but there's also engineering firm Fluor Corporation, supermarket chain ALDI, Texas Instruments and Minute Maid. Residential construction is a huge part of the mix, creating a thriving economy outside of oil and gas.

All of this growth needs to be managed lest the county end up like just another Western boom town, where money rushes in and then rushes out. Fort Bend also provides good schools and master planned communities to ensure a high quality of life.

The key to Fort Bend's future, though, relies on keeping the economy and population diverse. New companies and new ideas create the foundation for generations of success. Change is tyrannical and irresistible, so the best option is to embrace it. Fort Bend is apparently doing things right.

Chris Tomlinson has written commentary on business, energy and economics for the Houston Chronicle since 2014. Before joining the Chronicle, he spent 20 years with The Associated Press reporting on politics, conflicts and economics from more than 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He’s also the author of the New York Times bestseller Tomlinson Hill, and he produced the award-winning documentary film by the same name. Both examine the history and consequences of race, politics and economics in Texas.